Iran Focus: London, Jan. 11 British Prime Minister Tony Blair described on Wednesday Irans resumption of nuclear enrichment-related activities at Natanz as very serious and said that London was pushing for Tehrans nuclear file to be referred to the United Nations Security Council. Iran Focus
London, Jan. 11 British Prime Minister Tony Blair described on Wednesday Irans resumption of nuclear enrichment-related activities at Natanz as very serious and said that London was pushing for Tehrans nuclear file to be referred to the United Nations Security Council.
Answering a question by Conservative leader David Cameron during Prime Ministers Question Time in Parliament, Blair said that there will be a meeting of European ministers on Thursday to discuss the EUs stance on the Iranian decision.
Britain, France, and Germany had led talks with Tehran aimed at finding a diplomatic solution in the international standoff over the Islamic Republics suspected nuclear weapons program. The resumption of nuclear research and development at Natanz was in breach of the Paris Agreement both sides had signed in November 2004.
The decision by Iran is very serious indeedI do not think that there is any point in people or us hiding our deep dismay at what Iran has decided to do. When that is taken in conjunction with its other comments about the state of Israel, real and serious alarm is caused right across the world, Blair said.
A reference to the Security Council is entirely in line with what the International Atomic Energy Agency itself decided some time ago. The only reason why it suspended a reference to the Security Council was because Iran had suspended its enrichment facilities. That is why it is extremely important that we take a fresh look at this now, he added.
The British Prime Minister said that the first step was to secure agreement for a reference to the Security Council, if that is, indeed, what the allies jointly decide, as I think seems likely.
We obviously do not rule out any measures. It is important that Iran recognises how seriously the international community treats it, he said, adding that Irans decision to break IAEA seals was a very important act.
The statements on Israel are important statements, which, I am afraid, indicate a malign intention on the part of the Iranian regime.
Blair also said that the international community had to consider the long-term issue of world security. I have no doubt that the best long-term security for us is the spread of freedom, democracy and values that all civilised people share.
